420 Readiness

How Accurate Testing Lights the Way to a Safe Celebration

By Meagan Chris – Arcanna Analytics

420!The high holiday. A day for celebrating all things cannabis, from the plant’s incredible versatility to the community it fosters. But as we gear up for the festivities, let’s talk about something that’s super important, but often flies under the radar: lab testing. Because while picking out the perfect strain is fun, knowing exactly what’s in it is what truly ensures a safe and stellar experience. 

Why Cannabis Labs Are the Unsung Heroes of the Industry

Think of cannabis testing labs as the quality control gurus of the green scene. They’re the ones behind the scenes, using science to analyze cannabis products and provide crucial information to both producers and consumers. It’s a bit like having a food safety inspector for your cannabis, and that’s a very good thing. 

Here’s why these labs are so vital: 

• • Potency Precision: Cannabis isn’t just about THC anymore. Labs meticulously measure the levels of various cannabinoids (like CBD, CBG, and more) and terpenes (those aromatic compounds!) to give you a clear picture of what to expect. This is key for responsible dosing, especially with edibles or concentrates where it’s easy to overdo it. 
  • Safety First: Cannabis can pick up contaminants from the growing environment. Labs test for things like pesticides, heavy metals, mold, and bacteria, ensuring that what you’re consuming is safe. Nobody wants harmful surprises in their celebratory session! 
  • Truth in Labeling: Accurate testing holds producers accountable for what they claim is in their product. This builds trust and empowers consumers to make informed choices. 

“Knowing exactly what’s in your [cannabis] ensures a safe and stellar experience.”

Diving Deep into the COA: Your Cannabis Cheat Sheet

The Certificate of Analysis (COA) is the report card of your cannabis product. It’s a detailed breakdown of everything the lab found during testing. Let’s sharpen our skills on how to read one, using a real-world example from Arcanna Analytics. 

Check out the COA for the delicious “Glue Ball” by Bold Cultivation. It’s a fantastic example of the kind of information you should be looking for. 

Who Did the Homework? (Lab Info)

First off, see who did the testing. The COA clearly states “Arcanna Analytics” and provides their contact information. This is important because you want to ensure the lab is reputable. Look for accreditations like ISO 17025, which means the lab follows strict quality standards.

Cannabinoid Breakdown: The Power Players

This is where we get to the good stuff – what’s going to make you feel a certain way. 

• • The COA lists “Total THC” at 19.74323% and “Total CBD” at <LOQ%.
  • THC Demystified: Notice how the COA breaks down THC into THCa and delta-9 THC. THCa is the non-psychoactive precursor that converts to the psychoactive delta-9 THC when heated (think smoking or vaping). The “Total THC” calculation accounts for this conversion, giving you the full potential psychoactive punch. 
  • CBD and Friends: Don’t forget about other cannabinoids! This COA also shows CBG and other cannabinoids, each with its own potential effects. 

Terpenes: The Aromatic Symphony

Terpenes are the fragrant oils that give cannabis its distinctive smells and contribute to its effects. Think of them as the supporting cast in the cannabis entourage effect. 

The COA lists a whole array of terpenes from a-Bisabolol, a-Humulene, a-Pinene, β-Caryophyllene, β-Myrcene, just to name a few. It even highlights the primary aromas: Cinnamon, Hops, and Rose. 

• • Terpene Tips: β-Caryophyllene is the most abundant terpene in this sample. Knowing this can help you predict the effects and flavor profile of the strain. 

Safety Check: No Nasties Allowed

Safety is paramount! A good COA will include testing for contaminants. 

This COA indicates “Pass” for Water Activity, Microbials, Pesticides, Heavy Metals, and Solvents. This means that this sample is ready to go. 

Why This Matters: It’s essential to look for these tests to ensure the product is safe for consumption. 

“Safety is paramount!
A good COA will include testing for contaminants.”

Moisture Content: Keeping it Fresh

The COA also reports the moisture content, which is important for the quality and shelf life of the flower. 

The COA reports a moisture content of 5.680%. 

Pro Tips for Choosing Quality Cannabis (and Reading COAs Like a Pro)

• • Demand the Data: Always ask your budtender for the COA. If they can’t provide it, that’s a red flag. 
  • Compare and Contrast: Don’t just look at one COA. Compare results from different batches or brands to get a sense of quality variations. 
  • Lab Reputations Matter: Look for labs with a solid track record and proper certifications. Arcanna Analytics is one example of a lab providing detailed COAs.
  • Get Hands-On Help: Speaking of Arcanna, they’re taking education a step further! Did you know that many local dispensaries carry Arcanna Analytics COA pamphlets? These pamphlets break down how to read a COA in a fun and easy-to-understand way. Ask your budtender if they have them available, it’s like having a cannabis testing guide in your pocket! Take one home and keep it handy for future reference. 

420 Ready: Celebrate Safely, Celebrate Smart

This 420, let’s elevate our celebration by prioritizing safety and informed consumption. By understanding the power of lab testing and knowing how to read a COA, we can all make smarter choices and enjoy cannabis with confidence. So, grab that COA, explore the fascinating world of cannabinoids and terpenes, and have a happy and safe 420!